Motor Vehicle Sensor Module with Dynamic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in developing a compact and aesthetically integrated sensor system for fully or partially autonomous motor vehicles that can reliably recognize environmental situations, withstand external influences, and maintain optimal performance over the vehicle's lifespan, while also being discreetly visible from the outside and adaptable to various driving conditions.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle sensor combination module that integrates multiple sensors as a self-contained unit in the vehicle's front area, utilizing adjustment mechanics for static and dynamic settings, with a common reference system for calibration, and a protective housing with a cover window to shield sensors from external factors, including a lighting unit and shock-absorbing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple sensors are integrated into a central sensor combination module mounted on the vehicle exterior, then the sensor system becomes more compact and aesthetically integrated, but the sensors become more vulnerable to external influences such as dirt and weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensor devices (cameras, LIDAR, radar) into a nested configuration within a single sensor combination module housing. The sensors are arranged in overlapping or adjacent relationships within the compact housing, allowing them to share the same mounting space while maintaining their individual fields of view and detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a protective housing with a cover window that shields the sensors from external influences. The housing acts as a flexible barrier that protects sensitive optical and electronic components from dirt, weather, and physical damage while allowing electromagnetic waves (light, radar, LIDAR) to pass through to the sensors.
2Reliability
If sensors are placed around the vehicle exterior including on the roof, then the field of view and detection range are maximized, but the sensor system becomes more complex and less aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate sensor devices (front camera, front LIDAR, front radar, and other sensors) into a single integrated sensor combination module. This merging reduces the overall system complexity by consolidating mounting locations, power connections, and data processing interfaces while maintaining the comprehensive environmental detection capability through the coordinated operation of individual sensors within the module.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor assembly is made adjustable and controllable, then the system can adapt to various driving conditions and compensate for dynamic influences, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the sensor assembly to change its orientation and positioning dynamically. The sensor holder can be adjusted in angle and position to compensate for vehicle movements, road irregularities, and different driving conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures optimal sensor alignment and field of view while adapting to varying operational requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle sensor combination module (100) comprising a sensor assembly (101) with a support frame (102) and a sensor unit (103) statically connected to the support frame (102) and connectable to a control and evaluation unit of the motor vehicle, wherein the sensor unit (103) has a sensor holder (104) and environment sensor means (105) statically attached to the sensor holder (104) with at least one sensor means (105a, 105b) for acquiring vehicle environment data, wherein the motor vehicle sensor combination module (100) can be mounted on an exterior part of the motor vehicle, preferably on an area of the front of the motor vehicle, and wherein the motor vehicle sensor combination module has adjustment means (110, 111) for static and/or dynamic adjustment of the sensor assembly (101).The invention further relates to a motor vehicle, in particular a fully or partially autonomous motor vehicle, comprising such a motor vehicle sensor combination module (100).